1946: In the aftermath of World War II, Italy is a ruined country, economically drained and damaged by battles that took place across its landscape.

Today: Italy has enjoyed a strong economy that has only recently suffered its first mild recession since the early 1990s.

1946: Italian culture, having been suppressed for decades by the totalitarian rule of the fascist party, flowers and attracts world-wide attention.

Today: Italy has no official state-sponsored censorship. There is concern about the 2001 election of billionaire media baron Silvio Berlusconi to prime minister. Opponents fear that Berlusconi, who controls 90 percent of the country's television stations, might suppress artistic freedom.

1946: Italy is primarily an agricultural society.

Today: Although it still has a strong agricultural aspect, most of Italy's economy today is in industry and communications.

1946: In the wake of the fascist government's fall, organized crime, which has had a strong influence in...